The good news is, redundancy can also open up career opportunities that might have otherwise passed you by, as this anonymous employee Jay**, 29, discovered…
Jay was a community engagement coordinator at an Australian non-profit organisation for one and a half years when the had to shed staff amidst a tough economic climate.
“I had expected redundancies for some time – given the financial health of the organisation,” Jay says. “At first, I went for every job I saw, even if I didn’t want it!”
But then she met someone who had been made redundant from the advertising industry and committed to taking six months to relax and enjoy life – she decided to do the same.
“I took the same approach and refused to feel guilty for it,” she says. “I only went for jobs I really wanted and I spent time volunteering for a cause I really cared about.”
Within a few weeks, a senior youth advisor position came up at her former company’s sister office in Uganda. Jay applied – along with more then 200 other applicants – and after travelling to Kampala as part of the interview process, landed the role.
Jay is now part of the leadership team responsible for advising 10 offices across the country on youth engagement and advocacy.
“I am finally working in Africa – something that I had meant to do for the past eight years,” she says.
TIPS FOR COPING WITH REDUNDANCY
Katie Roberts, director of Katie Roberts Career Consulting, said the key is to remember not to take it personally. “In most cases, when companies make roles redundant, it is an objective decision based on financial issues,” she says.
Roberts suggests the following steps to cope with the emotional rollercoaster and find yourself a new job following redundancy.
Seek support: Talk to a family member or friend who has experienced redundancy. If you are offered an outplacement service as part of your redundancy, take advantage of it to sharpen your CV.
Make a financial plan: It can take several months to get a new position in a competitive job market. Work out your financial responsibilities and budget accordingly to avoid unneeded stress while you are searching for jobs.
Maintain a routine: Spending the day in your pyjamas keeps you in an ‘unemployed’ mindset. Get dressed and treat Monday to Friday as a normal working week to boost your job application efforts.
Be proactive: Apply for positions on job boards, but also make a list of the companies you want to work for and contact them directly.
Follow up on job applications: “Candidates who follow up and chase employers are more likely to get in the door,” says Roberts.
Jay says she is definitely in a much better position in her new role than before she was made redundant.
“My role is very fulfilling and I feel that when the contract is up in 18 months, I will be much better positioned to get a job I really want back home,” she says. “That’s if I end up going home, I do love it here!”
For more information on redundancy, visit the Department of Human Services website.
**Names have been changed
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